Clarky And Terry Mac Happy To Face The Toon!
Clark: "They are a massive draw. Newcastle may have been relegated to the Championship, but they are still a huge draw because of the support they generate.
"They represent a tremendous test for my lads at just the right time in terms of our pre-season work."
Clark is assisted at Huddersfield by other Newcastle old boys Terry McDermott and Paul Stephenson.
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
What's The Ground Like?
This stadium was opened with three sides in 1995, the last stand being added a season later. The club previously played just down the road at the Leeds Road ground, now the site of a B & Q Superstore. Most new stadiums in this country are rather boring affairs with little character, but the Galpharm (I don't think I'll ever get used to that new name!) does not fall into this category. Each stand is semi circular rather than rectangular, and is further enhanced with large white steel tubing above the contours. In fact from the car park I first thought it looked like a new ride at Alton Towers! It is good to see something different from the architects for a change. The ground has won many design awards and is well worth a visit. The only disappointment is that the corners of the ground are open. The Fantastic Media North Stand at one end and the Direct Golf UK (Riverside) Stand at one side are both two tiered stands, each with a row of executive boxes running across the middle. The other two sides of the ground are large single tiered affairs. There is an electric scoreboard at the back of the away end.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are located at one end of the ground in the Pink Link (South) Stand, where up to 4,000 supporters can be accommodated. The facilities in this stand and the view of the playing action are both good. There is also a Ladbrokes outlet and a bar serving alcoholic drinks at the back of the stand, which if you can't bear to watch your team during the game, you can always escape to, as the bar remains open during the first half and half time. They even serve draught Guinness, which makes for a pleasant change.
I had an enjoyable evening at the Glapharm Stadium. I was thoroughly impressed with the stadium and the general set-up.
Where To Drink?
The ground is walkable from the town centre, albeit a long one! (20 minutes). Robert Smith recommends the Peacock, Rickys Bar and the Bradley Mills Working Mens Club. They are all located on Leeds Road, about five-ten minutes walk from the Stadium. There is also a cinema and entertainment complex behind the North Stand, where there is the Rope Walk pub. However on my last visit all of the above bars were not allowing in away fans, although I did manage to get into the Rope Walk Pub (I was not wearing colours), where I enjoyed an excellent pint. Dougie Hames recommends the Gas Club on Gasworks Street; 'all fans and families are welcome. Bass beers, food available and you can also park in the patrolled club car park at a cost of £2. The club is easy to find as it is right by the large gas holder'. Whilst Tim Oscroft informs me; 'The Head of Steam pub at the railway station is pretty good and serves food too'.
Otherwise it is probably best to drink within the ground itself, as there are open bars at the back of the away end. Roy Goodman adds; 'on our last visit Tetleys Or Carlsberg were available at £2.80 a pint. Alas they no longer serve Guinness.'
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
The stadium is just off the A62 Leeds Road. It can be easiest reached from Junction 25 of the M62, simply follow the signs for Huddersfield (A62) and you will come to the stadium on your left. Alternatively, if approaching from the South, then leave the M1 at Junction 38 and take the A637 towards and then the A642 into Huddersfield. As you approach the town centre try to keep to the right hand lane as you will turn right at the island and go onto the A62 Leeds Road. The stadium is a short distance down this road on the right. For the car parks turn right at the traffic lights, where the Market Pub is on the corner. The stadium is generally well signposted around Huddersfield town centre.
There is a fair sized car park located at the ground (£5) and a number of unofficial car parks nearby (expect to pay around £3-£4).
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
The stadium is just off the A62 Leeds Road. It can be easiest reached from Junction 25 of the M62, simply follow the signs for Huddersfield (A62) and you will come to the stadium on your left. Alternatively, if approaching from the South, then leave the M1 at Junction 38 and take the A637 towards and then the A642 into Huddersfield. As you approach the town centre try to keep to the right hand lane as you will turn right at the island and go onto the A62 Leeds Road. The stadium is a short distance down this road on the right. For the car parks turn right at the traffic lights, where the Market Pub is on the corner. The stadium is generally well signposted around Huddersfield town centre.
There is a fair sized car park located at the ground (£5) and a number of unofficial car parks nearby (expect to pay around £3-£4).
By Train
The ground is walkable from Huddersfield train station, albeit a long one (15-20mins). After coming out of the Railway Station, turn down past the front of The George Hotel. Go straight over the crossroads into Northumberland Street and walk down across the Ring Road straight on into Leeds Road. Turn right down Gasworks Street. Straight over crossroads to the ground.